Sirach 31

1The sleeplessness of a rich man wastes away his flesh, and anxiety about livelihood drives away sleep.

2Like one who grasps at a shadow and pursues the wind, so is one who clings to dreams.

3A rich man labors to gather wealth, and when he rests, he receives enjoyment.

4A poor man labors until his strength is spent, and if he rests, he is still in need.

5One who eagerly pursues gain will not go unpunished, and one who loves profit will go astray by it.

6Many have been ruined by gold, and by trusting in pearls; they did not find escape from evil, nor deliverance on the day of wrath.

7For it is a stumbling block to a fool, and every simpleton is ensnared by it.

8Blessed is the man who is found blameless, and who has not gone astray after wealth.

9Who is this? Let us call him blessed, for he has done wonders among his people.

10Who is this, He has been tested in these things and has become complete; and it will be for him a ground for boasting.

11Who was tested by it and was found complete? Let it be for him a boast. Who was able to transgress and did not transgress, and to do evil and did not desire it?

12Therefore hold fast to his goodness, and the assembly will recount his praise. Bread is instruction, and wine with it.

13My son, if you sit at a great table, do not open your throat over it.

14Do not say, “It is enough for him”; remember that an evil eye is evil.

15An evil eye hates God, and he created nothing worse than it.

16For because of every matter the eye trembles, and from the face tears will flow.

17Stretch out your hand to the place he looks at, and do not reach with him into the dish.

18Know your neighbor as yourself, and in everything you hate, be considerate.

19Recline like a well-bred man, and do not gobble, lest you become disgusting.

20Know that your neighbor is a man like yourself, and eat what is set before you.

21Be the first to stop, for the sake of good manners, and do not be a glutton, lest you be despised.

22Even if you sit among many, do not reach out your hand before your companion.

23Is not a little enough for an intelligent man? And on his bed he does not gasp.

24Pain and sleepless wandering, and retching and choking, and a turned face with a foolish man.

25Years of life come from a sound stomach; one rises in the morning, and his life is with him.

26Years of life are with a discerning man; he will lie down until morning, and his life is with him.

27[And if they press you to eat, leave the banquet,] and you will find rest.

28In all your deeds be modest, and no disaster will touch you.

29Even if you are constrained, wait for delicacies patiently, and it will bring you rest.

30Listen, my son, and do not despise me; in the end you will grasp my words.

31Listen, my son, and accept my words; do not reject me, and in the end you will find my words.